The New Gambling Policy Commission Weighs Overhaul of Britain’s Gambling Act

An independent panel began taking evidence on November 9 on whether Britain’s Gambling Act 2005 needs updating or replacing. The Gambling Policy Commission, chaired by economist Jagjit Chadha, plans to publish recommendations in 2028.

The review comes as Britain’s gambling regulator is implementing reforms that followed the government’s 2023 white paper. The panel will look at what those changes have achieved and where the law may still need to change.

How Britain treats prediction markets

Britain’s Gambling Commission said in February that existing prediction market products would appear to fall under its betting intermediary rules, depending on how a platform operates. That is the same licence category used by betting exchanges.

The independent review will look at how regulators should handle products that sit between gambling and finance. Its remit also covers crypto, artificial intelligence and gambling-like features in digital products.

How players reach unlicensed sites

The panel wants evidence on why players use unlicensed operators and whether cutting off payments or limiting access through search engines, social platforms and app stores works. It will also consider whether certain online games should be offered under tighter licences or through public provision.

The panel will look at how changes to gambling duties affect players and operators. It will also examine whether measures to prevent and treat gambling harm are working and whether future legislation should provide a route for civil claims. For sports, it will consider using part of General Betting Duty to fund a statutory levy, with British horseracing a focus of the inquiry.

The call for evidence closes on February 12, 2027. The panel expects to commission research through 2027 before publishing its report. Changes to the Act would require Parliament to legislate.